I’ve read the book called the final exit among others that talk about the exit bag with helium method.Â The claim is that the bag will keep the oxygen gone and the helium tricks our brain into thinking we’re still getting oxygen so we don’t hyperventilate or what have you.Â Also it is said that the helium is supposed to be odorless.Â I came across this post on another site today:

I recently tried to exit using the helium method. I couldn’t stand it andÂ yanked the bag off.Â The gas was NOT ‘innocuous and odorless’ as the Humphrys/Final Exit crowd had led me to believe.Â It felt like inhaling poison gas.Â Made me nauseous, headachey, and there was a terrifying feeling of falling through space.Â Now I am suffering, not from fear of death, but from fear of the ways of getting there.

Then I came across this other post on this site:

So, after much studying and self analysis, I came across the helium hood method that I seemed comfortable with. I also bought the book, The Final Exit and it seems to be the preferred method in there. What happens is, you fill a bag with helium and put if over your head (specific instructions not detailed from me here as they are long and you can find them online), and within 7-9 seconds you become â€˜braindeadâ€™ so you pass out, then you die within 20 minutes. I did this, following all the instructions (minus one small one that I have included further down) and I remember putting the bag over my head (after 1.5 days of literally sitting there trying to get the strength to do it), and feeling that it smelt and felt fine, so I immediately relaxed. I can only remember the first 2-3 seconds so I must have passed out very quickly. Then I woke up 12 hours later with the helium tanks empty and the hood placed next to me, and vomit on the bed. I was DEVASTATED because I was absolutely sure that if only I could find the strength to pull the hood over my face, I would die. But yet again, I didnâ€™t.

It might seem good in theory but in practice it looks like this method could have problems.Â Ideally if I were to choose suicide I would want it to be painless and guaranteed to work assuming no outside intervention of course.Â Â Based on these testimonies though I do have my doubts.Â I don’t want any attempt to result in failure and me being retarded and living off a feeding tube the rest of my life, if you know what I mean.

Do not report posts older than 1 week old,because we will not take action on them.
In other words -- check the date before wasting your time and ours.
Also, please do not use this form as a comment reply -- it is not.

43 Comments

timeAug 20, 2010 @ 04:53:55

The second post you refer to is so innacaurate it’s frightening!!

I can firstly assure you that you are NOT braindead in 7-9 seconds.
If you have several big gulps of helium (various factors here such as smoker/ non smoker/ lung disease/ body size come into play) no more than 10 big gulps will be needed into ‘tricking’ the brain into thinking that it is still recieving oxygen.
You will lose conciousness in under 10 seconds as the brain is deprived of oxygen. Your brain will die fully – somewhere between the 5-6 minute mark ROUGHLY.
Between this time, in answer to your concerns above;

Will you sense fear? – possibly, if you are not willing to do it, although this will be short lived.

Will you throw up? – if you are laying down when you attempt this, when you become unconcious, you will lose control of your airway and gag reflex so vomiting is possible if in the wrong/right position

Will your unconscious mind try to remove a bag on my head? – Unlikely – of all the witnessed exit bag attempts in clinics – no-one has attempted self rescue.

Whatâ€™s the likelihood of success in a method like this? – if the bag is completed and the methods followed as described in literature – VERY.

What ways would increase the likelihood of success? – Follow the instructions in the literature to the letter.

After watching several of my relatives die in agony and extreme disability caused by advanced stage cancer, I have no intention of allowing myself to die that way.

They both used Hospice, but the last month of their lives was so horrible for them that they had to be on morphine to the point where all they could do was lie in bed, and then pooped and pissed in bed, and needed people to clean them up. It’s no way to spend the last month of your life.

I intend to wait until the cancer turns a corner to the point where I can no longer stand the pain and increasing disability and then I am going to end my life.

I have moved in with relatives who live in Oregon, where doctor assisted suicide for terminally ill patients is legal. They give you a prescription for it, but you must already be terminally ill, and you have to find a doctor willing to write the prescription.

If you can afford to move to Oregon for the last few months of your life, it may be the way to go.

Re: The Final exit book, I have that book and there is no mention of you removing the bag yourself so I too was surprised to see that it is often written about that it is. However, I ended up on some online discussion forums specifically for this method and I saw that the author of that book is amongst the discussions ans answers questions.

It IS possible that you remove the hood yourself, the author admits that, in fact one person posts that she did this method and woke up with the hood to the side. He (the author), says to her ‘you must have removed the hood yourself, it happens, which is why this method is best to be performed with someone assisting you’ he goes on in another thread about it to other people and constantly states boldly that this method, if carried out properly DOES WORK and cannot fail, if carried out correctly.

So you are not right to say that this method doesn’t work. I think it quite wise though to somehow restrain yourself (hands) as it seems the only way it does fail is if the hood is removed.

The points that Time says here seem to correspond with the authors points both in the book and on his discussion forums. Oh, he also says that it is the most preferred method as it is quick and seemingly peaceful, he has been present at many of these assisted suicides. if you’re in any doubt, just go seek him out online and get it from the horses mouth, he’s been doing this for years so if any of what he says is inaccurate, then surely his forums and thread (which anyone can join) would be saying so wouldn’t they? The only problem that has ever been brought up on those sites (and some date back to 2001) is that removing the bag. No other problems are reported.

This is one of the reasons I hesitate about this method. But it seems like doing a good job of securing the bag to your head should help a lot. With the charcoal grill option, you’d have to somehow open the door while unconscious or near-unconsious, which would be much more difficult, especially if you seal the door (and the knob?) with tape.

I would just like to comment on what time has stated and it seems pretty much in accordance with what ERGO site states and the video by Mr Humprys. However I have came across a site where the guy states that ballon kits do not have proper regulators, therefore they will not last the required time ie 20 mins to complete full braindeath. He states that the kits are made to blow up balloons in short bursts and will quickly run out of helium leaving the person braindead. He seemed quick genuine and was nor trying to dispell anyones attmpts just trying to convet some facts. He also stated that the blasts of helium could be responsible for eventually removing the hood is the bag would throught pressure of the helium remove itself. I have seen a video by Mrhumphrys and he makes no mention of a regular. I was wondering if there was any truth in this or if anyone had a comment.

Thanks Anon13. Thats a great link. I am sure the book will include the necessary advice. The link states that it only takes around 4-5 gulps from pure helium whilst you are inside the bag. I am guessing that this means you continue to re-breath the helium in the bag? Therefore tanks eventually running out would not matter as there would be enough helium inside the bag already and if carried out properly. Also ERGO states that it has been done many times without the regulator, implying that its use is a choice but not necessary. Also the book and practice are vary importamt and intelligent pieces of advice. There are so many scare stories on here about it not working, it makes me wonder. Also my concern is when a person turns the helium release valve, how much and at what pace do they let the helium come out. Obviously after a few seconds, there is no chance to alter it. I was wondering what you thought of those concerns? And thanks again for the link.

hi, i just found this site tonight after researching this for quite some time. its not easy finding reliable sources!

i have managed (well in a couple of days) to get a commerical helium tank that will fill at least 80 foil balloons. i am hoping that is enough. have been made a bit worried though by this pulling off the hood stories. i havent got my bag as yet though. i was just going to get one of those vacum bags that you store clothes in and tie it up as i too was worried about ripping it but now i am more concerned with pulling it off unconsiouly.

its seems so unfair that when you are terminally ill you may find people to help you, but the definition of terminally ill to me includes terminal desperation and despair which i have. no one at all wants to help you then. no one will sit by you and make sure you dont take it off and just be with you instead of being alone and scared for your final moments. why cant people see how unhappy some of us are and accept our decisions?

This is Angela and I am going through the very exact thing you are. I am going to give you my cell number please I beg of you to please call me my cell is 858-382-7427 and I live in the San Diego county I will answer your call

I tried using the helium method as described in the epill handbook. All I got was a funny voice. I did not even come close to passing out. Is this helium exit bag method bull sh*t or what? Please someone help as I dont want to resort to hanging myself. I would rather do it from my easy chair. Thank you.

I am so sad. I hear so many minds made up. I wish I could talk you out if it. Even if I couldn’t talk you out of it, I wish I could spend some time with you before you go. My heart breaks for you. I love you all.

I have this helium tank and bag all set up. It’s been set up for days now. I’m just too chicken to do it yet. That said, I do think it works. My friend died from it recently. She attempted with the method many times. Through trial and error she ultimately got it right. I don’t really want to help you kill yourself. But if one is determined to die, and a certain method appeals to them, then that person will research the method til their fingers fall off. Information on the helium method is all over the internet. I’ve researched it for months using nothing more than Google.

There are reasons I decide to make a comment on this. For one, this method is an incredibly peaceful and painless way to die and I’ve felt huge relief ever since discovering it. Second, some of the comments that show up here about this method, in my opinion, seem like they are meant only to deter people from even trying it. That may not apply to you, but I still noticed it. Sorry if it offends. I just think, that if a method isn’t working for you, then you’re either doing it wrong or it’s not your time. Personally, I’m prepared for a worst case scenario of it not working and have a backup plan. But I wouldn’t come here and claim the method to be bullshit just because it didn’t work for me.

The method is so simple (particularly the Final Exit instructions) and accessible that I find it weird for someone to have this much trouble with it; unless you are physically handicapped in some way and need assistance. Maybe you should consider an exit bag (no inert gas used). I’m sure I sound like a total bitch. Oh well then. Like I said though, some of these comments are odd to me. You keep asking someone to “help” you when the information is openly available if you research it.

Like I said I followed the instructions to the letter from the epill handbook and nothing happened. This isnt brain surgery after all. I bought the coupling and pressure tested the tank and it was full. After a couple of attempts there was practically no pressure in the tank. I don’t think these balloon time tanks are up to the task. I really want this to work and avoid having to resot to hanging myself. I want a peaceful exit!

My heart goes out to those folks who feel compelled to end it due to economic reasons and the like. I am in this particular boat, after years of avid health consciousness!

Seems to me Humphrey deleted my post as I mentioned that so called attempt and it disappeared. But I suspect he’s heard of it to and has labeled it accordingly. Should have said so.

My uncertainty is in the tanks and their nozzles. Do we actually need regulators? Is there a separate valve on the tank to at least turn it on without an attached regulator? Must be. The addendum says to take part of nozzle off. We need diagrams.

There seems to be an increasing amount of folks turning to both this method and self deliverance in general these days. Maybe we could meet in groups! I’m not quite ready and am simply waiting for the cash to run out. I’ve been fired six times since 9/11 and employers are getting far too demanding these days. This, with in your face politically correct demands is getting too much for this soul. Low wage jobs would just prolong the nonsense.

All of this is by design of course but that’s another story.

Tho it doesn’t seem to always help… I still Strongly urge all those who have a modicum of either health, funds or desire to tarry to go into the woods (dark room etc), alone and try to commune with your higher aspects of self.
Not once! Do this for one or two weeks each day, am & pm with the same intent. You don’t have to sit there and force yourself to meditate. Just go into “dream” mode and connect to what you think may help and provide alternative solutions. I am on my way to the woods from here. I haven’t called out to God in a long time but maybe I should. But I think the Higher Self is more pertinent. It, is what folks experience as to the Ultimate. Perhaps it’s a bit of both…

Well, I’d rather have that nice Peace Pill. Don’t know about you folks but it seems to me, with Fukushima much worse that they are admitting, the Gulf spill ditto, the intentional collapse of the economy, chemtrails & haarp, GMO’s & intentional crop failures, coming water shortages etc will make the ensuing decades rather untenable for all but the very rich.

I do wonder the sanity of poor folks still bringing kids in to this world.

I did a test run with the balloon time tank and a garbage bag just to see the effects of the helium.

There is indeed a smell, I don’t think that it came from the garbage bag.

I didn’t want to kill my self, just to test the theory, and I can say that by inflating the garbage bag with the nozzle and breathing in through the nose the helium and out through the nose, I didn’t get dangerously dizzy very fast. In fact after several deep inhalations, nothing. In fact, I think that I could do the method described in the final exit book and continue to breathe very uncomfortable for minutes before I passed out if I even passed out at all. Not the couple of seconds I was hoping for.

The stuff is made for balloons. No one will sue the company if it is found out that instead of the 98% purity, it is instead 80% pure with a mix of 20% oxygen. It will still float balloons.

My eyeballs started pulsing, I got a headace that still persists a coulple of minutes later.

I don’t think that I can trust this. I think I’ll try nitrogen next. If not, I am at a loss. I would have to go to my next plan which is a debreather which is more complex, but atleast I can control the inputs.

I emailed Dignitas some time ago and they were very helpful. They told me that they would not be able to help someone with my specific problems, but they suggested I visited this site and buy the book recommended on it:

The book itself is far more detailed than Final Exit and answers all the questions I had. I have not been brave enough to go through with it yet, (obviously or I wouldn’t be typing this) but knowing that I can and that there IS a peaceful solution which won’t result in a botched job, gives me peace of mind.

As well as the helium method it goes into detail about several other methods too. The book was written by a Doctor.

You should NEVER try to hang yourself as too many people fail using that technique and end up brain damaged. At least with the helium method, if you do start to feel sick or in pain, you have the option of removing the bag…

Btw, what the previous person says about the balloon companies mixing the helium with oxygen is completely untrue and if you read the book you will see why. That ‘urban myth’ is actually tackled in the book. It also addresses all the other questions and worries on this board and after reading it, you won’t have any fears or doubts. (I won’t reproduce the information here as it’s too long and you might not believe me anyway! It’s far better if you see it for yourself, rather than relying on my word.)

The book was thoroughly researched and checked and it even has an extended section on the helium method to ensure that there is little if any chance of problems, discomfort or complications. The book has a full reference list so that if you want to check the reserach for yourself, you can.
It has been a Godsned for me, as before I read it, I was constantly wrestling with the worry over what technique to use and the fear of it going wrong.

If this book doesn’t put your mind at rest nothing will. The book was written so that people would not be relying on misinformation or urban myths which they have read on the internet.

This is going to sound like a really ridiculous question, but……anyone with experience of making the exit bag (as in sewing the headband onto the oven band), did you use elastic thread or did you use normal thread?

i have made one unsuuceful attempt
using the helium method. i did not have a regulator and when
the pressure was turned up – the pipe simply blew off so
some method of holding it in place is probably best. so i proceeded but
the pressure was not full
the helium gas is cold on your face and
and it has a smell too.
i did not gulp in the helium i forgot- but my voice changed
and i passed out quite peacefully. i was also lying down
which might be a mistake.i woke up
3 hours later- there were
drops of water in the bag – so i gues oxgen had leaked in around
the band

i had used the sweat band method by hand sewing it onto a large bag – the kind you store clothese in but i think that machine sewing might be better
as it leaves no gaps – maybe it id votal just to follow thr instructionsd and use a drawstring – to be able to pull a sweat band down over your head probably means that it remains a bit loose around the neck

I tried the helium method but it was a bit of a chicken’s attempt… I pulled the filled bag down over my face and breathed for about 30 seconds…. I then pulled off the bag out of fear…. I had definitely squeezed all the air out to begin with so I’m not sure what happened… Also, my voice didn’t change like normally happens if you inhale helium……… confused.com

This is an honest post, I’m not a bullshitting Christian. I tried the helium bag method after a lot of preparation. I bought a flow fitting but it didn’t fit so I turned the gas on very slowly. Pulled it over my head and took a huge gulp. Nothing happened so I took another huge breath and then my body started convsulsing which i can only compare to being under water and needing to take a breath. It wasn’t pleasant but I’m relieved. I didn’t want to hurt my family and friends. I have now decided that after 24 years of feeling suicidal I will now put all my effort into finding ways to enjoy life. I’m a survivor and I hope you guys will be too.

Hi
I’m new to the group and feel determined to end my life. I suffer from several illnesses and lost my dignity and independent completely. I’m too young to be a candidate for The Exit Bag which I find ridiculous. If your life is too painful in every aspect you should be able to make your own decision nomatter what. I find the helium method very appealing, but doubt it’s validity because of the many failed attempts. It would be horrible and terrifying to fail a suicide. I didn’t read the book yet, but I have a question for you. If you have to fill a bag with helium and drag it over your head afterwards, how can you make sure that no oxygen slips in? My logical sense tells me that I’ll need to connect a tube between the bag and the tank and rubber band to make sure it will not fall of my head. It just sound kind of impossible that one single bag filled with helium will be enough and fatal. Sorry my English isn’t perfect

Hey guys I’ve always been a full supporter of the Helium method as it seems the best all round (painless, leaves internal organs intact for donation, peaceful looking body after death). I was wondering if using a space bag (the bags where you can suck the air out to make more room for stuff) would be a good alternative method. I.e suck all the air out with a vaccum, then fill the bag full to the brim with Helium and seal the hole. Finally quickly unzip the bag, stick head in and zip up again. Would this way work?

Other than removing the bag while unconscious I don’t see how the helium method can fail , there is another method that only involves using a plastic bag around your head in which you die because you can’t breath air anymore , only the CO2 that u exhale.
I tried that method and failed because without gas you don’t pass out so you panic and eventually take /rip off the bag (tried stopping myself from ripping the bag until last second but it’s impossible) .
I recommend : – using tape to tighten the bag around your neck ( u can feel when there is no air coming in)
– wearing a hat because depends on the bag but some can stick to your face and you start swallowing it and it hurts so much you can’t bear it and rip off the bag ( I started choking with my first attempt and it was very uncomfortable )
– doing it in an area where nothing can pierce/ damage the bag if you eventually fall
– maybe even having one of those plastic tighteners (http://i00.i.aliimg.com/photo/v1/689278792/plastic_wire_tightener.jpg) so you will be sure not to be able to take off your bag while passed out

so in conclusion , I would like to know how can it fail if u don’t even need gas to die if you have a closed bag over your head that can’t be taken off ?

ok , that’s pretty much it , I am going to to this soon so wish me luck

I’ve been thinking about using this method but it doesn’t seem reliable enough. The idea I came up with is to put a rope around my neck first and use the helium method standing up. That way when I pass out, I’ll fall on the rope and suffocate. It should be much more reliable than the standard Helium method and much less painful than normal hanging.
Does anyone know how well this would work? Why doesn’t anyone talk about doing it this way?

Hired two helium tanks for 300 balloons
each , weighing 20 kilo’s a piece.
Ordered the turkeybags 40 x 50 cm
And a sweatband.
Must do the job I hope
You ” lucky ” people in the U.S.
where there’s a shotgun for sale on
about every corner.
Even in warehouses.
Take care everybody

Ah. Turns out the aforementioned tank I was considering has a failsafe. There’s a nozzle that has to be HELD DOWN FIRMLY to actually release the Helium, in addition to opening the valve. I’ll continue my search. Apologies for the double post.

I have been ready to take my exit for the last year, researching all posibilities. I have several unbearable mental issues and chronic pain. The helium method has intrigued me and I have purchased 2 8.9 cu ft helium cannisters, one turkey oven bag, 2 3/8″ interior diameter x 1/2″ outer diameter plastic 10ft hoses to connect to the tanks after removing the nozzles. Good flow to bag. Attempted last night without the hoses as a trial and all I received was a small head trip after about a minute then panic set in and I pulled the bag off. Pleasant cold air fills the bag, which is a nice experienc in comparison to regular bag covering/CO2 poisoning which is hot and cramped feeling. Body begins to tingle and lightheadedness sets in presumably just before passing out. I stopped the process because I knew the bag wasnt sealed properly yet and was afraid of failure/discovery. Final attempt in 30 minutes. I will post again tonight with experience if it does not work.